The holiday season is one of the greatest times of the year, as it gives families, friends and loved ones plenty of time to see one another. As we gather with friends and plan various fun things to do, there is an increased risk of impaired driving. No matter the circumstances, nobody should be driving if they’ve had any kind of alcohol. Here are some tips for how to avoid impaired driving and keep everyone safe:
- Organize in advance. If you know you will be going out with friends during the holiday break, plan your night in advance! Rather than leave things to the last minute, create a game plan and stick with it. If you have a friend that is willing to be a designated driver, make sure they are serious about this role. If everybody is planning on drinking, a car service is a great option for getting where you need to be. Uber and Lyft are two easy to use car services that can be accessed through apps on your phone. Have a big group heading out for the holidays? You can find drivers for groups of all sizes, from taxis to charter buses, to get you safely to and from your destination.
- Drink in moderation. The more alcohol you put into your system, the more impaired your thoughts and sense of judgment become. If you are too drunk to make proper decisions, you may find yourself in a scary situation. Throughout the night, pace yourself and monitor how much you’ve been drinking. It is always a good idea to alternate between alcoholic drinks and other beverages, such as water or a sports drink. It is important to maintain your decision-making throughout the night.
- Say ‘no’ to the situation. The easiest way to avoid an impaired driving situation is to avoid alcohol completely. While it may be uncomfortable sometimes, especially with friends, saying ‘no, thank you’ when someone offers you a drink is the best way to stay safe. If you have been drinking and your friends are urging you to drive or get in a car with someone who has been drinking, adamantly saying ‘no’ and finding an alternate travel option for everyone involved will prevent a disaster from occurring.
There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time with our loved ones, especially during this time of year. However, consuming alcohol in these social settings can lead to a drunk driving incident, if the proper steps are not taken to ensure that everyone stays safe. Find a designated driver or an alternate way to travel, understand that saying ‘no’ is okay, and drink responsibly so that you and your loved ones can make the most of your time together!